Welcome to another exciting episode of Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad, where today, we're diving into the world of luxury flights. We're sharing our most unforgettable first and business class flights. Join us—Pam, Jess, and Alex, as we turn left upon boarding, stepping into the realm of spacious lie-flat seats, gourmet dining, and exceptional service, all made possible through the savvy use of points and miles. Why Luxury Flights? Flying first and business class offers more than just com...
Mar 12, 2024•37 min
Picture this: rooms with sweeping ocean views, sandy beaches at your doorstep, and impeccable service from a team that seems to know what you want before you even ask. Now, imagine enjoying all this luxury at a rate of zero dollars per night. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, we made it happen at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, and we're ready to spill all the details. In our latest adventure, each of us checked into this slice of paradise, leveraging our points and miles for a st...
Mar 05, 2024•55 min
In this episode, we're taking you on a tropical adventure to Costa Rica, a destination that many dream about but assume is out of reach budget-wise (especially for a family vacation). But guess what? Our special guest, Rob Dulgarian, also known as "Travel Points Rob", along with his family of seven, managed to explore the lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and breathtaking beaches of Costa Rica without the financial stress, all thanks to the magic of points and miles. Our journey today is a bluep...
Feb 27, 2024•32 min
Ever wonder how a journey to Japan, packed with adventure and luxury, can be almost free? Well, buckle up, because Jess's recent trip to the Land of the Rising Sun is nothing short of a travel masterpiece. Imagine scoring business class flights worth over $20,000 for a mere $1,000 in taxes and fees, and luxuriating in nine nights at opulent Hyatt hotels for less than $300. Sounds like a dream, right? But it's exactly what Jess did, and she's spilling all the secrets. With a whirlwind of strategi...
Feb 20, 2024•45 min
Today, Pam—the queen of booking phenomenal business and first-class flights—shares her recent escapade to Abu Dhabi! Have you ever planned a trip around a flight you want to take? It's not that unusual for us at the Travel Mom Squad. Pam's trip was planned around her desire to fly Etihad Apartments first class. This trip was made possible by credit card points and miles, and she's here to tell you all about it. Abu Dhabi wasn't initially on Pam's radar; her previous brief visit was merely a stop...
Feb 13, 2024•28 min
Welcome back travelers! Today, we're giving you a glimpse into how we choose those fabulous, family-friendly hotels and resorts for our travels. It's all about blending fun, comfort, and adventure for the entire family. Join us, as we share some insights and our top picks that have made our family vacations truly special. Our journey in identifying the ideal family vacation spots is driven by a mission to find destinations that cater to both adults and children. For instance, the Hyatt Regency H...
Feb 06, 2024•42 min
Q&A With TMS! Today, we're getting personal and interactive by answering your questions. We've gathered a fantastic collection of questions from our Instagram stories, and we got to answer as many of them as we could in this episode! Here is just a sneak peek at some of the tips and tricks we cover: We tackle common dilemmas such as being an authorized user on a credit card and still wanting to snag the welcome offer. We also address the post-welcome offer phase—what do you do with your cred...
Jan 30, 2024•34 min
Today, we're peeling back the curtain on the Travel Mom Squad – sharing the story of our humble beginnings, the engine that keeps our mission running, and some golden insights for those of you dreaming of starting your own venture. Travel Mom Squad sprouted its roots back in December 2018, with Alex at the helm. Spotting a gap in the award travel community, particularly a lack of family-oriented resources and female perspectives, she set out to create a platform that addressed these voids. Fast ...
Jan 23, 2024•39 min
Feeling a bit baffled by the twists and turns of credit card applications and rewards? You're definitely not alone in this journey! With a myriad of cards, rules, and unexpected hurdles, the path to becoming a savvy traveler can seem daunting. But fear not, we're here to guide you through the maze with ease! In today's episode, we look into the common challenges and mysteries that many of us face when traveling on points and miles. We're breaking down the complexities of pending applications, cr...
Jan 16, 2024•40 min
Interested in traveling on points and miles but find it a bit overwhelming? You're not alone. With so many cards and rules to consider, it can feel like a daunting task. But don't worry, we're here to help simplify it all for you! In this episode, we're tackling the most common pain points, making the journey into this exciting world more accessible and less intimidating. We demystify the complexities of booking with points. Whether it's the best time to book, understanding the points needed for...
Jan 09, 2024•39 min
Today, we are diving into our 2024 travel plans and card strategies for maximum adventure. Traveling on points and miles can turn your dream vacation into an unforgettable family trip for nearly free! As 2024 unfolds, we are buzzing with excitement, sharing our insights on top card picks. Each card, carefully chosen, mirrors our unique travel aspirations! It doesn't matter what your goals are; points and miles can help get you there. Our travel plans for 2024 are as diverse as they are exciting....
Jan 02, 2024•47 min
Today, we're recapping the incredible adventures of 2023, showing you just how limitless your travel possibilities can be with some clever strategies! 2023 has been a year of remarkable journeys and outstanding savings, all thanks to the art of traveling on points. As we scroll through our camera roles, we can't believe everywhere we have been! It's been a rollercoaster of accumulating and redeeming points and miles, and we can't wait to share the highlights with you! So, let's talk about the cr...
Dec 26, 2023•40 min
In this podcast episode, Alex and Pam are setting our sights on the stunning Maldives—a dream destination that might seem out of reach but is surprisingly attainable with savvy points and miles techniques! The Maldives, with its peaceful islands and crystal-clear waters, is the perfect example of a tropical paradise. Each resort offers an exclusive retreat into luxury and serenity. Imagine snorkeling in vibrant reefs and basking in the endless sunshine, all in the comfort of a secluded haven. Tr...
Dec 19, 2023•55 min
In today's episode, we're diving headfirst into World of Hyatt's Globalist status. It's no secret that we have a bit of a love affair with Hyatt's loyalty program, and in this episode, we're spilling all the details on why this particular status holds a special place in our points and miles hearts. What exactly is Hyatt Globalist status, and why are we so enamored with it? Simply put, it's the pinnacle of Hyatt's loyalty program, offering a plethora of benefits that can transform a regular hotel...
Dec 12, 2023•57 min
This week, we're diving into the captivating world of Istanbul, where every turn is a discovery and every moment an adventure. Jess and Pam have been there, explored its wonders, and are thrilled to show you how to experience this magical city using the clever art of traveling on points and miles. Picture this: You're cruising high above, nestled in business class, sipping a welcome drink, en route to an unforgettable Istanbul escapade. Jess has got the scoop on snagging those coveted business c...
Dec 05, 2023•38 min
Today, we're talking about London - a city where every street corner tells a story. It's a city we've explored and fallen in love with time and again, and we're excited to share how you can do the same, smartly using points and miles! Imagine this: You're soaring over the Atlantic, cozied up in business class, toasting to the beginning of an unforgettable journey. Pam has the lowdown on snagging business class tickets with airline miles, making your journey as delightful as the destination. From...
Nov 28, 2023•44 min
Have you ever thought about exploring the great state of Texas with your family, but weren't sure where to start or how to make the most of your points and miles? In this episode, we take you on a journey through some of Texas' best family-friendly hotels and resorts, and it's an adventure you won't want to miss. Imagine relaxing in the rustic charm of Hyatt Lost Pines near Austin. This place is more than just a hotel – it's a family adventure waiting to happen. Think lazy rivers, water slides, ...
Nov 21, 2023•44 min
Ever wondered what cards the Travel Mom Squad would pick if they were diving into traveling on points and miles today? In our latest episode, we unveil the strategies and cards we would go for if we were newcomers in this game of savvy travel. Alex kicks off by sharing her initial strategy involving the Southwest Companion Pass, while Pam reflects on her allegiance to United and Marriott. Jess, a bit more cautious, initially opted for the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom. Now, we each have a fresh to...
Nov 14, 2023•37 min
Welcome back! Can you imagine embarking on a journey through 15 states, taking on six national parks, and traveling over 4,500 miles, all within a span of two weeks? And mind you, this isn't a solo or couples trip. We're talking about a family of five with young kids! We know someone who did just that, and today she's breaking it down for us! In today's episode we had the privilege of chatting with Megan Condello, our Digital Business Manager. A mom to three adorable daughters, including a set o...
Nov 07, 2023•34 min
Want to hear what we've been up to lately? We thought it would be fun to recap some of the cards we've opened and trips we've been booking! In this episode, we're taking you behind the scenes. We discuss exciting travels we've embarked on and some of the gems we've discovered. We kick things off with our most recent stays on points and miles. Looking ahead, we move onto trips we've recently booked (but haven't yet taken) using points and miles. TMS is gearing up for several bucket list trips! We...
Oct 31, 2023•51 min
Welcome back! Do you have some American Express Membership Rewards points and aren't quite sure how to use them? Or have you heard about the program but aren't sure how it works? If so, this episode is for you. Keep listening as we cover all things American Express Membership Rewards. If you are a loyal listener, you know we've previously taken a deep dive into the realms of Chase Ultimate Rewards and Capital One Venture Miles. But today, we're turning our attention to another significant player...
Oct 24, 2023•45 min
Today, we're diving into our adventures at Secrets Resorts. While Alex and Jess basked in the sun at Impression Moxché by Secrets in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, Pam had her own journey at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica. So, if you're yearning for the inside scoop on Secrets Resorts, you're in the right place! Let's kick things off by talking about what Secrets Resorts really are. Last year, Hyatt decided to amp up its resort game by acquiring a slew of all-inclusive resorts, and guess who's now donni...
Oct 17, 2023•43 min
Welcome back! It's just Alex and Jess here today. Pam is enjoying her trip to Costa Rica. Considering today's all about the Southwest Companion Pass, her timing is impeccable – Pam's not the biggest fan of Southwest. Now, imagine the thrill of having a companion fly alongside you for nearly free (just the taxes and fees) for up to two years. That's the magic of the Southwest Companion Pass. If you've yet to experience this, it's one of the best deals in the award travel world. But how do you get...
Oct 10, 2023•41 min
Welcome back to another round of juicy travel tales and tips. This episode is a sure treat as it revolves around Pam's recent travel escapade to NYC and Dublin, unfolding how her clever use of points and miles smoothed out a trip that didn't go exactly as planned. Let's dive in, shall we? Pam describes her and her sister Julie's fun-filled trip starting from the bustling streets of New York City. They spent three luxurious nights, hotel hopping between the stylish Andaz Fifth Avenue and the chic...
Oct 03, 2023•45 min
In this episode, we cover positioning flights—what they are, why they're important, and how we use them to our advantage. Positioning flights can be a smart way to maximize travel rewards and ensure we get to our desired destinations efficiently. At its core, a positioning flight is a short, separate flight that helps travelers reach a major hub airport (often times with better deals). The beauty is, you don't necessarily need to stick to the same airline. Alex stresses that timing is crucial wh...
Sep 26, 2023•36 min
We have an exciting podcast for you today as Jess shares her bucket-list experience in Australia! From negotiating for a room with the perfect view to taking the scenic coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach, Jess packed her 10-day trip with unforgettable experiences. First, Jess shares how she scored flights to Sydney that would have cost $24,000 for only $800 out of pocket. Then she shares where she stayed in Sydney for three nights for FREE! From a kayaking trip in the Sydney Harbour, ...
Sep 19, 2023•51 min
Welcome back! In our today's episode we uncover the hidden gems within airline alliances! Ever wondered about flying Q Suite for fewer miles than you'd expect? Or how about discovering those hidden airline sweet spots that seem elusive? We've got you covered. We dive deep into the world of airline alliances. These power-packed groups allow travelers like us (and you!) to book flights using miles from one airline but fly on another. To put it in perspective, imagine using Virgin Atlantic miles to...
Sep 12, 2023•34 min
Hey fellow travelers! It's Alex, Jess, and Pam, excited to share our best Washington, D.C. tips, ensuring your Capital visit is unforgettable! In this episode, we dive deep on everything you need to know when it comes to traveling to D.C. on points a miles. :) Hit play to dive in or keep reading for a sneak peek! Logistics can truly set the tone for your trip. Take Alex's recent experience as an example. On her last trip, she flew into Dulles. It was fine, but the more seasoned travelers among u...
Sep 05, 2023•36 min
Hey there, it's the Travel Mom Squad—Alex, Jess, and Pam! Everyone has different preferences when it comes to travel. Some prefer the efficiency and speed of flights, while others enjoy the adventure and unpredictability of a road trip. Today is all about leveraging the art of award travel for road trips! Jess's recent journey is a perfect example. She and her family decided to drive from Houston to Chicago. More impressive is how Jess made the most of her points. She used them to stay at unique...
Aug 29, 2023•36 min
Hey there, travel enthusiasts! It's Alex, Pam, and Jess—your fellow Travel Mom Squad. Today, we're all pumped up to spill the beans on one of our most treasured secrets: Capital One Venture Miles! First we dive into the cards that earn Venture miles or Spark miles (the business version). Then we discuss how to improve your odds of approval for Capital One cards. They can be kind of quirky, but we have some tips! The real gems are the Venture and Venture X cards. The Venture X, the premium person...
Aug 22, 2023•43 min
